Kubiak hired as Ravens offensive coordinator

The Ravens also hired Rick Dennison as quarterbacks coach. Dennison was Kubiak's offensive coordinator with the Texans.

"Gary Kubiak was on the list from the beginning," coach John Harbaugh said. "It became apparent this had a chance to be a fit for both coaches and the Ravens."

Kubiak wanted to bring Dennison with him to Baltimore before he was hired. They both met with the Ravens in Baltimore on Sunday.

"It gives me a chance to be part of a championship organization," Kubiak said.

Harbaugh added, "After studying many different candidates, we believe our research and our evaluation process have been as thorough as we could make them. The Ravens' offense will work to be a physical, down-hill, attacking unit that is precise and aggressive. We will be rugged, balanced and hard-nosed. We will play Ravens football, and Gary will help us achieve the offense we aspire to be.

"We left no stone unturned in this search. We are excited about the result and cannot wait to get to work."

Meanwhile, Harbaugh denied that he was forced to hire Kubiak. ESPN reported Tuesday that owner Steve Bisciotti and general manager Ozzie Newsome influenced Harbaugh's decision. Speculation arose because Kubiak emerged as a candidate so late in the process. The Ravens reportedly narrowed their search to two candidates before suddenly turning their attention to Kubiak late last week.

"Steve is always involved," Harbaugh said when asked if Biscotti was heavy-handed in the hiring process. "Steve's going to be involved. This is his team, and he sets the tone and the tempo for everything we do, and I listen, as we all do, to Steve's advice. It would be foolish not to. Now, if you're going further than that, then the answer is 'no, no way.' Steve gets involved to whatever extent he feels like he can help us, and that's what he does."

The Ravens conducted second interviews with Shanahan, Hostler and Wilson at the end of last week. Wilson said Saturday that he was no longer a candidate, narrowing the search to Shanahan and Hostler.

At the time, Kubiak was not among the choices.

"I don't think coach (Kubiak) and I had come to the idea that it could work," Harbaugh said. "At the time, we talked about the four of them, then continued conversations with Gary and with Rick (Dennison), and that evolved, I would say, in the last few days -- last five or six days."

Kubiak said it was not until Sunday night while having dinner at Harbaugh's home that the sides realized it could work.

"Of course, Gary Kubiak was on the list from the beginning, but within the last week, it became apparent that this had a chance to be a fit for both coach and for the Ravens, and we were able to finish it up this weekend," Harbaugh said.

--Following a disappointing season where they finished 8-8 and failed to make the playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens are huddling up and trying to construct a new plan to upgrade the roster.

First and foremost on their agenda: Improving an offense that ranked 29th in the NFL in total offense as quarterback Joe Flacco threw a franchise-record 22 interceptions as running back Ray Rice rushed for only 660 yards.

This marked the first time the Ravens didn't qualify for the playoffs since hiring coach John Harbaugh in 2008.

"When you have a short window of failure that comes out of the blue, the key is not to make wholesale changes," owner Steve Bisciotti said. "To find yourself in the bottom five in offense in almost every category is again something that, had we not had a history in the last five year, I would probably demand wholesale changes.

"But I think you have to be careful to not to look in a vacuum and throw out the baby with the bathwater, and let people get healthy, let these guys work together for another year, add some people to the team in the draft and free agency."

The Ravens finished 30th in rushing offense, last in yards per carry.

Harbaugh announced that offensive line coach Juan Castillo will return, but will no longer hold the title of run-game coordinator. Other changes to the staff could be in the offing depending on what happens with offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, who has interviewed with the Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins.

"Juan will be the offensive line coach next year," Harbaugh said. "The rest of it is a little bit in flux right now. Juan functioned as the lead offensive line coach last year. That was his job. The title was a way to have three great offensive line coaches in our mix right there. We didn't get the results we wanted to get."

Are more changes coming to the staff?

"I never demand," Bisciotti said. "I do suggest, but right now, I haven't suggested to John to revamp his coaching staff."

And they are seeking a reliable target for Flacco to throw to downfield.

"Is it going to be bringing in some additional talent? Probably, yes," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "Is it going to be expecting some of our guys to develop and get better? We will need that, too."

The running game must get better.

"Especially in the AFC North with the type of defenses that you face, you have to have the ability to run the football," Newsome said. "Everybody understands that in 2014, we will do everything we can to be a better run team, because it will make us a better football team."

Spagnuolo, who also was named assistant head coach, joined the Ravens in 2013 as a senior defensive assistant. His extensive NFL experience includes serving as defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in 2012 and New York Giants in 2007-08 and as head coach of the St. Louis Rams from 2009 to 2011.

"How fortunate are we to have a former NFL head coach, former defensive coordinator and secondary coach become the Ravens' coach for our defensive backs?" Harbaugh said. "Steve is one of the outstanding teachers in the NFL, and he already worked with our defensive staff and players last season as a senior assistant. Our players respect him, and a number of our veteran defensive backs recently said to me that they wanted Steve to coach them."

Harbaugh and Spagnuolo previously worked together on the Philadelphia Eagles' staff. Spagnuolo was in Philadelphia for eight seasons, including three as secondary coach.

Pariani is also a coaching veteran who enters his 24th season in the NFL. The last eight were with the Houston Texans as their tight ends coach. He will reunite in Baltimore with fired Texans coach Gary Kubiak, who was hired as the Ravens' offensive coordinator on Monday. Pariani replaced Wade Harman, who isn't being brought back.

"Brian has earned a reputation as one of the NFL's top tight ends coaches and we're excited that he was available and willing to join us," Harbaugh said. "Another factor that immediately makes him valuable to us is his familiarity with the offense we want to run. We are making changes on offense, and Brian will be able to help teach and implement them."

Meanwhile, receivers coach Jim Hostler, who was a candidate to be the team's offensive coordinator, left to become a senior assistant with the Buffalo Bills.

--On the departure of offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, head coach John Harbaugh said, "We are all so happy for Jim. He deserves this opportunity, and I congratulate the Lions for selecting him. We're disappointed that we've lost Jim. We were looking forward to making progress on offense with Jim leading the charge as coordinator. Jim is a teacher, he is honorable, he is a respected leader, and every person with the Ravens will miss him. Players and assistants respond to him. You understand why he was named Detroit's head coach and why all the other teams had him among the finalists."

Added Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, "I believe it would be difficult to find anyone with the Ravens who is more respected than Jim Caldwell. That includes players, coaches and other staff members. He earned that because of the person he is and his extensive knowledge about football, including the keys to winning and his ability to teach all of that. Personally, it is a privilege to know him, and it was an honor to work with him. We put Jim in a difficult position a year ago when we named him offensive coordinator late in the season. All he did was help us turn our offense around, and we won the Super Bowl. He has many strengths, but one that is sometimes overlooked is his ability to bring a coaching staff together. He has already succeeded as a head coach, and he will again in Detroit."

Finally, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco said, "I enjoyed my time with Jim greatly. He is a man that I will always respect as a football coach, leader and a friend. Through his calming influence and extensive knowledge of the game, he was an integral part of our success over the past few years. He will be missed by me and the Ravens. I wish him the best of luck in Detroit."

--Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome was noncommittal when asked if Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs will definitely return for next season.

Suggs is due a $7.8 million base salary and carries a $12.4 million salary-cap in 2014.

Suggs had 10 sacks, but only one in the final eight games.

"I've had the opportunity to talk to Suggs every day, he kind of makes sure of that," Newsome said during a state of the team press conference at team headquarters. "That's a decision that we'll talk about. Terrell is a really good football player. He not only shows up in the pass game, but he shows up in the run game.

"That being said, we let a good football player go last year (trading WR Anquan Boldin). So, we're not afraid. I'm not a virgin when it comes to letting guys walk out the door. What we'll do is we'll look at every aspect of it and see what's best for 2014, 2015 and 2016 Ravens and then make that decision once we get to it."

--One year after they didn't have to use the tag before signing Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco to a $120.6 million contract last March, the AFC North franchise's most likely candidate to become their franchise player is tight end Dennis Pitta.

It would cost the Ravens $6.7 million in salary and cap space under a one-year franchise tender. It would also give the Ravens a negotiating deadline of July 15 to avoid having Pitta play the entire season under the franchise tag.

"The possibility of using the franchise tag is something that we might have to do," general manager Ozzie Newsome said.

Pitta proved that his hip is structurally sound in four games since returning from a dislocated, fractured hip suffered in July that required surgery. He caught 20 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown.

Ideally, the Ravens will retain Pitta.

"He still has his skills and the skill set to be a very productive receiver in this league," Newsome said. "Going forward, we would like to have Dennis on our football team. He plays winning football. He's a mismatch problem for defenses. We'd like to have him."

"There are no guarantees," Newsome said. "One thing about this business. We wanted Kruger and Ellerbe back last year, and we weren't able to keep them."

--Baltimore Ravens backup running back Bernard Pierce is expected to undergo surgery on his right shoulder to repair damage to his rotator cuff, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Surgery hasn't been scheduled yet. If Pierce has the procedure, it would take place this month to allow him sufficient time to heal for next season.

The initial recommendation for Pierce was that he needed to have surgery, which would require four to five months of rehabilitation this offseason. If Pierce opts not to have surgery, he would still require months of rehab to strengthen the shoulder.

Pierce, 23, is a 2012 third-round draft pick from Temple who rushed for 436 yards and two touchdowns in his second NFL season, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. He caught a career-high 20 passes for 104 yards.

Rice has repeatedly vowed to rededicate himself to regaining his old form, saying he's willing to get back in optimal condition. Rice played at a heavier weight this season and also dealt with hip flexor and quadriceps injuries that robbed him of his explosiveness and tackle-breaking ability.

General manager Ozzie Newsome is convinced Rice will bounce back in 2014.

"I think Ray is committed to being as good a football player as he has been," Newsome said. "We had great dialogue yesterday on what we think we can do to help Ray to get there. But that combination of us having an understanding and a willingness to provide some help to him, and him having a willingness to work his butt off, we will again have a Pro Bowl running back in Ray Rice next year."

As Rice finished 30th in the NFL in rushing, the Ravens ranked 30th as a team, averaging only

--Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell interviewed Wednesday morning for the Tennessee Titans' head coaching vacancy. It was his third interview after previous ones with the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins.

The Ravens' coaching staff remains in a holding pattern as Caldwell's future is determined.

"I'm very pleased with how everything is going for Jim," Fritz Pollard Alliance chairman John Wooten told The Baltimore Sun. "Jim has made a great impression on the teams and we're getting excellent feedback about him."

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NFL Team Report - Baltimore Ravens - STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

FREE-AGENT UPDATE

The Ravens have 14 unrestricted free agents, including wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who has stated his intention to retire.

Rice lacked explosiveness this season and struggled with hip and quadriceps injuries, slumping to a career-low 660 yards. Pierce is scheduled to have offseason shoulder surgery and rushed for just 2.9 a yard per carry.

Leach was hardly used as the Ravens scrapped the I-formation in favor of a one-back, three-wide receiver system. Juszczyk excelled on special teams.

Pitta returned from a serious hip injury after fracturing and dislocating his right hip during training camp, catching 20 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown in four games.

Dickson struggled initially with his hands as a fill-in for Pitta, but settled down and caught 25 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown. He's a strong blocker. Clark provided a receiving threat with 31 catches for 343 yards and three touchdowns

Smith is a dangerous deep threat who slowed down toward the end of the season, but finished with a career-high 65 catches for 1,128 yards and four touchdowns. Jones was inconsistent downfield in terms of his hands, catching 37 psases for 455 yards and two touchdowns after missing four games with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

An undrafted rookie, Brown is a 6-5, 215-pound red-zone target who caught 49 passes for 524 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns. Doss and Thompson failed to emerge as slot receivers, and Stokley finished the season on injured reserve with a concussion.

Monroe made a solid transition after a midseason trade. Shipley scrapped, but struggled against athletic defensive lineman after replacing starter Kelechi Osemele, who had back surgery and was placed on injured reserve.

Gradkowski had a hard time at the point of attack against big nose tackles, making gradual improvement as the replacement for Matt Birk. Yanda overcame offseason rotator cuff surgery and made it to the Pro Bowl. Oher had a decent season overall, but remained prone to penalties. None of the backups saw significant action other than Shipley's injury promotion.

Jones was extremely active, relentless in pursuit. Ngata's pass-rushing impact was slowed by double-team blocking after shifting from defensive tackle.

Canty started the season well, but slowed down in terms of production and defeating blocks. Williams had a quiet rookie season. Cody is good at clogging up the middle. Tyson was a valuable rotation player with two sacks and one interception.

McClain overcame a spinal-cord contusion to regain his starting job. Smith stabilized the middle linebacker spot after Ray Lewis' retirement, leading the team in tackles and also intercepting three passes with five sacks.

Dumervil had 9 1/2 sacks in his first season, primarily used as a situational pass rusher. Suggs had 10 sacks and made the Pro Bowl, but faded badly in the second half with 20 tackles and one sack in the last eight games. Upshaw is a respectable run-stopping edge-setter. Bynes was replaced by McClain in the starting lineup. Brown is a good nickel linebacker.

Webb rebounded from a torn ACL, regaining mobility and confidence in his surgically repaired knee and intercepted two passes. Elam is a natural strong safety who looked out of position as a centerfielder.

Ihedigbo finished second on the team with 98 tackles, also intercepting three passes. Smith has shutdown potential as a big, physical corner and held up well against Calvin Johnson. Graham had four interceptions, leading the team as a nickel back.

Tucker made first-team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl, hitting 38 of 41 field goals, including six field goals in one game against Detroit where he made a franchise-record 61-yarder. Koch started off shaky, but improved to a 46.0 average. Jones is a dangerous return man who doubles as a receiver. Cox is a reliable long snapper.